A sheriff’s deputy, Hector Cuevas Jr., died in a crash during a police chase in San Bernardino, California, on Monday.

The pursuit began after a deputy attempted to stop a suspected stolen vehicle driven by Ryan Turner, who fled.

During the chase, Cuevas collided with another car and then struck a light pole, splitting his patrol vehicle in half.

He died at the scene, while the other driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Turner continued to flee but was caught and arrested.

He faces charges of vehicular manslaughter and evading law enforcement, ABC News has reported.

Cuevas, a six-year veteran, was remembered as a dedicated officer and a great protector.

Written by B.C. Begley